Aloohula
When is it our Adventure?
Aloohula stands in the landing bay awaiting the shuttle from Houston. He must wear his helmet in this landing bay due to the possibility of humans. To them his head looks slightly deformed and he must wear a helmet. Why then must he put up with this false face from the nose up? The areas that cause him pain due to the enhancements to give him a more human look would be gone. However, higher ranking officers will not allow this. Steven he has been told by his father has asked, but his request dismissed. He sighs, nothing can be done, unless they agree to an operation to have permanent physical enhancements made. No, one wants this operation. They all want to be as much as possible to be themselves. He is nothing, just a Dahax, just a trooper to them.
He reflects on his day so far, for it has certainly been an odd day and he is not sure if it is good or bad. It began with an argument with his father on his use of arasth for the pain he had been feeling with the continuous rubbing on his nose and ears on his skin. He tried to explain to his father that the pain is problematic for him. He needed to do this in order to perform his duties. After all, he had to do something since the enhancements will stay no matter how hard it is on their people. His father on the other hand was not happy with his using the arasth. His father explained how addictive arasth was and he in turn told his father he knew and that he was taking precautions. He was told there were no precautions and his father told him he must just tough it out as he did. In the end even though he detested the Youth Leader Brian he was glad he was there to end the conversation with his father.
Today with Brian and his friend Gordon was odd and eventful. Now, he doesn't know what to make of his feelings of hatred towards the Youth Leader. Brian is most certainly obnoxious and a jerk as he already knew, but there is something about him. He found that even in the short time with Brian today he could sense there was some sort of courage about him. The Youth Leader also, had a compassionate side that even he could feel, but Brian was very protective of himself as well. Not just Brian, but Gordon as well. However, was that not the way of all of the Youth Corp, especially the Youth Leaders. The Youth Corp were self-protective jerks that stood by each other no matter what the situation was. Aloohula doesn't like complicated people, too hard to trust and understand their intentions. However, with luck he will never see Brian again, although he would not mind seeing Gordon. Anyway, he had not spent enough time with them to really understand them and that was for the best. The Youth Corp were correct on staying to themselves as he and his fellow troopers are doing, staying separate from crew and officers was a good thing.
Another thought was how Brian's involvement with the humans today was different, it was not like the involvement he has seen with Visitor Friends. He was not used to being brought into a situation that wasn't the behavior he expected; not just of the Youth Leaders, but of the humans as well. Then again his involvement with humans has been very limited, just like his relationship with the Youth Corp.
He takes a deep breath, the next assignment is here. Aloohula watches as the two officers and their guard disembark from the shuttle. They all just nod at each other and Aloohula guides them to Diana's lab. All he can do is just stand and await his dismissal. The Houston trooper is dismissed immediately so that he can have something to eat due to what should be a busy evening for him. He turns to Diana, "I will guide him."
"No, you have not been dismissed. You will be dismissed when I say." Diana gives him a glare as she speaks. "Besides every ship is the same, I am sure he can find the cafeteria without issue." She then turns ignoring him and continues explaining her project. Then with a nod to Jason her medical assistant, a panel slides open and the darkened observation window behind it becomes clear.
Aloohula, can see that inside a young human woman who appears in his mind as having gone completely bye-bye leaving only her body behind. Maybe she is overly medicated he tells himself, but the nagging thought won't leave him. This young human has long ago shifted her mind somewhere else. He moves his thoughts away from her. The troopers like himself have been taught to remove their emotional feelings from the humans. However, as time goes on it is becoming more difficult. The dismissal never comes and he is forced to endure the meeting.
He turns his head when Steven and Martin walk into the room. Diana greets them with, 'I think everyone knows everyone.' Then she goes on talking. Aloohula tries to keep his ears closed as it is part of his training that it is better for himself if he removes himself from confidential discussions, even if not physically. Not being able to leave is difficult on him, but it is just part of the job. This evening he will likely have to go down and have the test done on him, if they believe he knows too much from some confidential subject. If the test shows something that the ranking officer believes too confidential then the memory will be removed. Sadly he knows of those who have had a memory removed, but for some reason a whole day, weeks and in some cases memories that one wishes to hold close have been removed. This was not by choice, instead it is due to the procedure being too complicated to just define and remove just that one memory. It is also, why the procedure has been halted and its further testing for enhancing has been halted. This procedure could cause more difficulties than one would want done. However, they have no issue with using this procedure on troopers, especially if they are Dahax. So, now he is happy he doesn't understand the whole sperm thing and besides he really could care less, it makes it easy to not store information in his head. What he really wants is to just leave this room without looking at the human with the vacant stare anymore or listening to Diana's I am better, smarter and in control of everyone attitude.
Finally, it appears that this uncomfortable situation may be over when she invites them to eat with her. Of course, this invitation was not meant for him. It is likely that none of them really know he is standing right there in the same room with them. He is just a mindless body standing guard.
Then Diana pulls out a large guinea pig. Aloohula's, idea of a nice dinner are fresh slabs of bloody meat and if possible berries or at least some sort of fruit. Pop it in the mouth and chew a couple of times and swallow. He has swallowed live food, but it is normally just part of dinner, not the whole meal like a Depol meal. Then of course it could be worse, what did the Whipelli not eat? Worse how many times they could you chew one bite of food. He hasn't even seen humans chew so much. He almost smiles remembering the contests in the cafeteria when an occasional Whipelli comes to eat, but keeps the smile from his lips. How many times though have they placed small bets on how many bites before the Whipelli finally swallows?
He had been in his thoughts when he realized Diana meant to swallow the animal whole, nor did she break its neck. He is happy he is wearing his helmet as he is shocked at what he sees. Only Steven seems unfazed by what has happened. In fact, Steven has a look of enjoyment. The others however, react as he does. Shock. Martin and Sadie look like they would like to run from the room as they excuse themselves as soon as possible as they turn and leave.
Diana turns to him, "You will follow behind us and once we reach our destination you have an appointment for a memory test. Once that is completed," She turns to Steven, "Do you need him for anything?"
"Actually Diana, I have made a request for another to take our troopers place." Steven says. "He has already had a long day."
Diana shrugs, "Fine, but it is his job." She types on her device and looks straight at him. "They are awaiting you. Once you are finished you are free for the evening." She begins to turn, then stops. "Just remember you are still on call."
Aloohula, "Thank you." He then turns and walks away quickly before someone changes their mind.
The memory test room is close and he reaches his destination quickly. The test takes less than twenty minutes. He had done a good job of keeping his mind distracted from the conversation. Aloohula, wonders what they look for. Only Diana or Steven would know what memory should be erased. Just another idiotic waste of time.
He leaves the room and once in the elevator he finally leans against the wall and takes a deep breath. He has been told that there are troopers on the list to go home as their minds need a rest from the interference. It is doubtful they will be able to leave though since no departure dates have been set to leave Earth. Those that appear not ready for service are given work as ship crew. He is just so happy all turned out well and he has never had the procedure done to him. He does not want to forget good memories, or those he loves due to forced amnesia.
Reaching his destination he walks into the cafeteria only to find Diana's medical aide standing at a table with a very large rodent in his hands. Like many others he stands and watches as Jason brings his head up and opens his mouth as wide as he can and begins to swallow the live animal. Just as he has it almost down he jerks. Many begin laughing, but it doesn't take long before some realize he is choking. After someone massages his throat the animal goes down. All he can do is shake his head for Jason was trying to imitate Diana.
Two of his roommates, Arai and Beytlo walk up to him and together they make their way to the meat table. Strips of red meat rest in large serving bowls. Also, a tank filled with small fish swimming about and another container with little frogs and very small snakes. The snakes are from home. They rarely grow longer than three inches and although they are swallowed you can still taste the herbal spicy flavor they leave behind. Some of them are red and others orange, all have brownish spots and green eyes. The snakes lived in a rocky environment and the coloring kept them hidden from predators. That is for the eyes, which seem to almost have a fiery look to them. When he was a child he was actually fearful of them. Folk tales told of how the snakes called jielhi, would follow you if you caught one and ate it there in front of the other jielhi. Once you went to sleep they would stick their tongue in your ear and whisper curses. Curses that would follow you for months for eating their child. The only way to undo the curse was to leave riLim berries on the rocks for the jielhi to find.
Arai is chuckling as he places a small snake into a container with a lid and picks out three meat strips. Did you see that Aloohula, stupid idiot should have killed it first before swallowing? He hesitates for a moment. Brave rodent managed to bite and scratch him on the way down.
Beytlo is smiling, "Why did he do that? Animal was way too large. I know the larger ones are in the cage to be made into a dinner; cut in half and skinned. Stuffed with berries." Beytlo looks up with a smile on his face as he dreams up a dinner he would like right now. He sighs and looks at the selection in front of them. "Hum, besides a couple of meat strips I am thinking eggs. Raw or boiled. What do you think?"
Aloohula's eyes lock on the rodent cages, for him it may be awhile before he even swallows a small fish again after this evening's debacle with Diana. "I have seen worse," He states flatly. "One raw and one boiled." He then selects four meat strips and chooses one raw and one boiled egg for himself as well.
They then continue to walk in silence each taking their plate to a small table that has an assortment of raw fruits and vegetables. Each take a small bowl filling it with some cut fruit. Arai looks up at them and back at the serving spoon with slices of green fruit, "What is this? Is this really fruit? This is the fruit side, not the veggie side."
All shrug, and then each take a serving of the green slices and take their plates to a table and sit, each sniffing and placing their forked tongues onto the fruit. They then discuss if they wrap it in the meat or not.
Suddenly a voice from behind speaks. "It is avocado. I guess, humans call it a vegetable, but it is actually a fruit. Enjoy. They are really good."
Aloohula gives a quick smile, "Gordon. You are eating here?...Not, that you can't...ah."
Smiling Gordon speaks quietly. "No, problem. Yes, I usually eat on the planet with one or more of the humans. However, we haven't been down there and I am afraid I don't have the needed throat muscles and such to swallow my roommate's mice. So here I am." Gordon then starts laughing as he looks around. "Besides who here doesn't want to count every bite I take." He then holds a hand out to the people in the room and bows for a moment. "Got to do my part."
"Please sit with us," Aloohula waves to a chair.
"That's okay. George is going to join me. I am not sure, he is..." Suddenly Gordon's jaw tightens. "He is having a hard time after our last bonding. That he is okay enough to come and eat here," He gives a sad smile, "Is a good thing." He shrugs, "Sorry."
He nods his head. "I understand." As Gordon turns to leave Aloohula speaks again. "Gordon, thank you for this afternoon."
The Youth Leader smiles, "My pleasure. Bri, is right though. It is a much better...ah, medication even if not as good..." He looks up, "George is here. Take care. It was actually an interesting day with you and Bri."
Aloohula snorts and smiles. "Yeah, sure."
After Gordon walks away they eat in silence. They take the long slabs of bloody meat and roll the sliced avocado into it. With each one they roll, they open their mouths up as large as a Depol and chew a couple of times and then bringing their heads up swallow the meat.
Beytlo glances slowly about and then turns to Aloohula. "I had no idea you were friendly with any of the Youth Leaders, especially that idiot Brian. The way he treated you was more than wrong. It is like being friends with Diana or John; besides Youth Leaders personal relationships are normally with other Youth Corp members only." He winces a bit, "You know how they are."
"Let's go to our room. I don't want to talk here." Aloohula says as he glances about.
Beytlo frowns and then smiles wickedly. "Why not?" He stands and the others follow.
They talk about the next day's assignments and how weird it is taking Youth Corp members to the new bonding procedure. First the Youth Corp member is their normal selves when they go in, but when they come out they are confused and appear lost.
Once they get to their room they find that another roommate Boienly is there. Arai looks towards Boienly and asks quietly. Where is Bretha and Brural?
"They are going to do some gun training, you know they say our scores are falling. Want to join us?" Boienly asks.
Aloohula, looks at Boienly intently before speaking. "Have you just used arasth?"
"Like you haven't!" Boienly snarls.
"I think you should stay here. You're not quite right. I am telling you it won't help your scores to go now."
"I am fine." Boienly looks upset when he speaks. "You have to do something for the never ending pain. Arasth does away with the pain."
Aloohula deadpans his response. "Nothing except decrease your ability to hit a target or to fight to your full ability."
Boienly puts his hand on Aloohula's shoulder. "Been listening to daddy have we, maybe..."
Arai cuts him short, "Another time. Go join them. I understand. If we practice we can better ourselves despite the arasth."
Boienly rubs his chin nervously. "Okay, join us if you can later. Otherwise, we will see you later." He looks around the room. Officers, get a room to themselves. Youth Leaders share a room with just one other. Other Youth Corp only have to share a room with three others." He looks at the three bunk beds in the room. "We have six of us stuffed into one room. Ever feel like everyone has forgotten you think and breathe as well.
They all nod. Aloohula knows to well the feeling of being just a body in the room that no one seems to notice or care about and with the possibility of erasing memories dear to them; they are of no consequence to the high ranking officers. They watch Boienly leave and then begin taking turns showering.
"So who is up for a bit of arasth?" Arai asks.
"Me!" Beytlo says with a grin.
Aloohula crosses his arms across his chest and faces the others squarely. "No, we are trying something different. Maybe we can cut the amount of arasth we take to a smaller dose."
Both Arai and Beytlo look at him with questioning looks.
"Why?" Arai asks. "You suddenly are going to listen to your father."
There is a long moment of silence as Arai and Beytlo continue to look at him.
"Sort of a story; remember you asked about the Youth Leaders and how Gordon was talking all friendly like to us. Today, I went down to Earth with both Youth Leaders, Brian and Gordon on their little adventure."
"Yeah, right Brian was friendly, to you today." There is a touch of anger to Beytlo's voice. "I thought he was a real jerk to you before. Sort of a surprise hearing you were with him and that other Youth Leader earlier today."
Aloohula has been placing herb in the pipe. "Watch this." He lights the pipe and breathes in and holds his breath for a moment. Then he slowly blows the smoke out of his mouth. "Now I want you to do the same."
Arai squirms, "I can't do that."
So Aloohula explains again and they begin to pass the pipe about.
Aloohula's arms drop to his lap and he can feel the muscles in the back of his neck not feeling so tight. "We are still addicted to arasth, but if we can slowly cut it from our lives. Well, better for us. We are losing our ability to hit targets and are losing focus. I am thinking that this may be better. At least the three of us can give it a try. It is supposedly not addictive as arasth. Secondly, the affect will not last as long as arasth. Does kind of make you sleepy, I guess. I have been told it has a fault though."
Beytlo voice is calm, but his gaze is steady. "What fault and how can this help"
"First, hard to get this. If you are a Youth Corp member, well they are pretty good at finding and obtaining. However, the strain is not a medication. It just helps, but if it cuts our use of arasth than good. I agree with my father, being addicted to arasth is not good."
Arai gestures towards the pipe. "Does this have anything to do with the story of the Youth Leaders?"
"Yes, so I guess...I guess I will tell the story. So today I had to accompany Brian and Gordon. Brian requested me." Aloohula shakes his head and rolls his eyes upwards. "So off to Earth we go and a place called Beautiful Smoke. I hated Brian, but something about him. Not sure what to say. In the end he is the one who gave me the herb and pipe."
"He's a Youth Leader. What did he really want?" Arai asks.
Aloohula smiles and chuckles. "He wanted me to not turn him in. What do you think?"
Beytlo grabs his arm. "What are you saying? Why is this good?" He then frowns. "Are you an idiot?"
He continues smiling, "Maybe. I don't know something about him. He and his friend Gordon are way too complicated. Complicated people are not normally people I would be around. Anyway, when we arrived I had two hours to myself. So up to our room I went. None of you were here. I was going to toss this." He picks up the bag and pipe. "However, Gordon shows up. He shows me how to use the pipe and what and how he and Brian hoped I could use this to help me to cut some of the pain."
Arai who has been dressing turns to Aloohula. "Why is it we can't have anything, but uniforms?"
Aloohula glances over his shoulder and smiles at Arai. "I don't know. Guess it's a uniform, naked or underwear." They all laugh.
"So if this works," Beytlo asks, "We can't get more?"
"Gordon said he will do his best to get me more. There is a Youth Corp member who will get it, but ..." He shakes his head. "I don't know. It was just supposed to be me for this," He holds up the pipe. "However, there are six to our room. I don't want it to be just me, if there is a possibility to be ourselves again; or at least the possibility." He rubs his face, "Never going to give our faces back as long as we are here. Also, I do have to ask you to stay quiet for a bit; leave it between us for now. Let me figure it out. Who knows maybe it won't work the way I hope. If it does we have to know how to get it and how to sneak it up here. The Youth Corp may be able to do that, but they get away with a lot of stuff because of the work they do with humans."
Beytlo and Arai nod and they talk in length about the visit to Earth, the humans and the herb. Suddenly Aloohula's device buzzes.
"You have got to be joking. I have to go and escort the second-in-command Rita to her shuttle." Aloohula is shaking his head. "I was just getting all relaxed and was told I was done for the day. No, I guess I wasn't totally freed for the night. Should not have smoked this." He points to the pipe now in Arai's hands.
"Go, and thank you. I have enjoyed this conversation, something that doesn't have to do with guns, fighting, food, water, ensuring humans don't see our true selves. This was good, and I needed something different." Arai says with a slight smile.
"I know this Earth project is supposed to be our adventure, not just theirs. Later we are supposed to be able to look back with our family and feel the pride of how we helped to save our people. Heroes to our people." Beytlo says frowning. "They call us jungle, but the jungles are long gone. Eventually, even the northern mountains will be nothing, but cold deserts. The day is coming that only the chosen will be allowed water if something is not done, and I understand this. However, this is not an adventure, it feels like a prison. I have to say, this herb stuff is something about us. US!" He says loudly. "Us, for a change, our secret, our adventure; bad or good. Not those," His eyes turn upwards and his voice is soft and with a smirk he says. "Our dear leaders."
They all laugh as Aloohula is now dressed and is ready to leave, but turns to his friends just before the door opens. "Would be different if we really were part of something on this little Earth adventure and not just fodder for ranking officers."
Beytlo chuckles, "Just a game, just a game on the computer."
"Naw, we are just the soldier bits that explode and die just before they hit the reset button." It is now Arai who is chuckling.
"No, and not that herb stuff either. The herb is just something out of the ordinary today. I mean our adventure." Aloohula has a faraway look in his eyes. "When I see that adventure; I am going to grab it." He snaps his hand in front of him and grasps his hand into a fist. They all laugh and he turns down the hall.
He passes others in the hall and gives his destination in the elevator. One thing he will always be thankful for is having his friends to share what has become a difficult journey. He is also sorry that none of them are allowed the life they would like to try for and never have been allowed to pursue. Maybe one day it will be their day. For now he sighs as he enters the room to escort Rita and places the thoughts and hopes of an adventure that is his and not the leaders of the ships or anyone else who feels the Storm Troopers are only game pieces whose lives do not matter. However, today he has been inspired to find his and his friends adventure.
It seems like the evening will never end as he and two other troopers come and escort Rita and Sadie to the shuttle. Diana speaks in length, but luckily for him nothing that appears to be confidential. Finally, he is dismissed and walks away quickly. He brings up his device, it is ten o'clock California time. He mulls it over for a minute and decides he will get a piece of fruit before returning to his room.
As he enters the cafeteria there is little left to eat; especially in the way of fruit. He doesn't want to eat another avocado. Finally, he decides just to eat a small slap of meat and avocado. Apparently, he is not to escape this odd fruit. He looks around and turns and comes face to face with Brian.
Aloohula can't help himself he finds himself growling deep in his throat. "Are you following me?"
Brian smirks. "No, but should I?"
He turns on his heel and sits at a table, moments later Brian sits down next to him.
Aloohula's voice is soft, but physically he has become stiff. "Seriously, this is where you need to sit? I am a trooper, someone beneath you. Right!"
Brian leans towards him and whispers. "Of course, I thought we could talk."
He hisses, "Talk about what, we have nothing to say to each other."
"Let me try again. I did not want..." Brian looks around. "I didn't want everyone to hear. I heard that Gordon came by and gave you a training lesson so to speak."
"Yes, I know how to use now. So you can go away as I won't talk."
Brian just shakes his head and then takes a bite out of the apple he has been holding.
"What do you want?" Aloohula hisses once again.
"Just to see if it helped."
Aloohula speaks clearly and boldly. "Not that much. I heard that you mountain people have some that actually does help with pain. Why not give that to me if you really want to help me." He is slightly surprised to find himself not only speaking with no regard to a Youth Leader, but confidently.
Brian nods and speaks softly. "I can't as I don't know anyone that has any of that strain." He shrugs, "I doubt very much if anyone has any mountain herb now. We have been here awhile." He looks down at his apple and then back up to Aloohula. "No, there isn't any of that."
"How about here on Earth?' Aloohula stands, but his gaze does not leave Brian. "That could really help the troopers, which would help you if there are problems with the humans later."
Brian remains sitting, but looks up at Aloohula while he speaks. "I am not familiar with the different strains. I get it for the haze, I think humans call it getting stoned. I can find out, but I doubt I will find out much. I hesitate to try looking for the information as you never know when you may be monitored and I don't want to ruin our ability to get our herb."
"To bad," Aloohula hisses as he should have expected that. However, why couldn't they try and recreate that. His father wasn't a botanist, but he had worked to improve some plants so that they could continue to grow in the daunting environmental issues due to the lack of rainfall. His tone lightens as he speaks. "Wonder, if I could make that strain. My father used to show me how to improve plants."
Brian stands, turns and then holds out his hand. "I got to go. As for growing and improving plants that our superiors don't want us to have in the first place, is not happening. Besides you need to be a farmer, and you are a soldier."
He begins to shake Brian's hand, but stops. "You just see us Dahax as jungle people. Guess what they're very little jungle left to us, they are gone and destroyed. Most Dahax are farmers. I am a farmer. This," He points to his uniform. "This isn't me. This is me forced into something I don't want. You get me the mountain seeds and maybe I can find a way to get the proper strain." Aloohula realizes he is breathing from one side of his mouth; he is surprised to find out how much passion he feels.
"I told you I don't think we have any mountain herb here. No, matter the strain."
His tone is cold and his stare does not leave Brian. "Then earth seeds."
Brian's eyes shift from Aloohula to his apple and with a shake his head, "Where will you grow this"
"I will find a place."
"Sure why not," Brian says as walks away throwing his apple core in the recycle container.
For a moment he simply watches Brian walking away. His mind races as he places his plate in the tray for dishes to be washed. Why can't he work towards that strain? Why not? Suddenly, he is aware someone is standing right in front of him.
Brural one of his roommates stares at him. "You okay. I saw that Brian jerk sitting with you. I almost went over, but you seemed to be really into your conversation."
"Nothing to worry about...So, how was gun practice?"
Brural talks for some time about his scores and the conversation goes on for some time. Finally, Brural excuses himself so that he speak to someone who had just entered the room. Aloohula looks at his device, it is becoming late. Morning duty will soon be on him and it will be a rough day with little sleep.
He stretches a bit and leaves the cafeteria, however just a short distance down the hall is Brian speaking to one of the crew workers. The worker brings his hand up and holds it up with his other hand waving about. The crew worker then brings his hand down and Brian and the crew worker continue speaking intensely. Aloohula just wants to leave without being seen by Brian. Unfortunately, it means walking past Brian to get to the elevator; he takes a deep breath and walks quickly with hopes of passing the two of them.
Unfortunately, Brian calls out to him before he is able to walk past him. Worse he finds his legs have stopped moving forward. Too much training, his feet listen before his brain can catch up and tell him to pretend he didn't hear the Youth Leader. Aloohula, stands and watches as Brian and the worker finish their conversation. Then the crew worker walks past him and enters the same elevator he had hoped to escape into as Brian steps forward standing next to him.
Brian then tells him that he has an idea where to grow the herb and that most of the ship including their rooms would not be good. He also says, he has ideas on how to get the seeds. All Aloohula can do is blink at Brian in disbelief.
"Where? You mean on Earth? You're correct, any attempt in our rooms to grow plants would get us into trouble. I mean, I am totally confused by what you are saying that you have this place, but every place is not good." Aloohula looks down the hall to the elevator and the destination he wishes he was at right now. He sighs deeply before continuing. "Besides you said it was very, and I mean doubtful, of available seeds."
Brian takes a deep breath. "Okay, first I have decided you are right. We should find a way to create medical herb. Why not? This is something that could help you and the other troopers."
He finds he is genuinely at a loss for words. Brian isn't just doing this to help someone. There must be something else that he is really looking for. Aloohula starts to say something, stops and then tries again. All he can do is shake his head. He glances down the hall. There is no one around. He tries again to say something, but cannot.
Brian grabs Aloohula's arm. "This will be great. I was just talking to William about something and then he reminded me that the Downstairs kids are in the same area as the large garden on the ship. You know, so they can play and have chores to teach responsibility. Also, they learn to plant things and tend to them. You know projects to keep them busy."
His face twists as if caught in some vise. "Ah, Brian...I am not so sure about this. Downstairs are always monitored...Ah, they are children. They will be trouble, we..."
Brian brings his hand up quickly to cut him off. "Stop! Do you want to try or not. If not..." He shrugs, "Then just forget it."
Aloohula frowns, but not because he thinks Brian's idea is wrong. No, it is due to his not following through with grabbing the adventure...no matter the outcome. He stiffens, "I am ready. Are you? You could be in far more trouble than I. You know, you will not be embracing the Regime..." He remembers something someone had said in one of the Visitor Friends group. He smiles, "This would be doing our own thing. Can you embrace doing our own thing?"
"No, everything is for the Great Leader. This includes our very lives."
He shrugs, "Then I guess we know you really don't want to help my people."
Then he turns from the Youth Leader and as he takes his first step towards the elevator.
"Wait. My complete devotion is to Our Great Leader. However, sometimes important things must be done. Sort of, what do they call it?" Brian holds up one hand and waves his other hand under it. "Ah, under the blanket, cover, secretly...ah...Matters not." He smiles. "Yeah, I like that. Doing our own thing."
Aloohula shoots him a dark look. "Are you really someone the troopers can trust? Remember I am just a lowly trooper!" He snaps, then turns ready to continue his walk towards the elevator.
"Seriously, this is what you have to say!" Brian says with an impatient tone.
He turns, takes a deep breath, cocks his head and shrugs. "Are you into this or just saying you are? Why, I mean really why?"
Brian smiles, "Sometimes. Sometimes, you have to do something. I feel like we are to do this. I mean I literally ran into William and it was like the," He waves his hand about for a moment. "Universe wants this to happen. I am supposed to do this." His smile widens, "Besides if all this works. Well, you owe me a favor. I like favors, one day you never know when, you may need to collect them."
Aloohula runs their conversation through his head. Now, he feels he can trust the Youth Leader. At least on this little adventure. Brian won't want to get himself in trouble, so he will be careful. Then there is the fact that the superiors feel that Brian can organize and get people to do what he wants; either human or their people. He would not have been given his new position if he wasn't thought of as the best Youth Corp member for this position. Then the place today; Beautiful Smoke and getting the herb. Next, Brian just happens to run into William and the needed information appears right in front of him. His conversation from Gordon today showed him that Brian's friends are very loyal to him. He smiles and holds his hand out to Brian; who in turn takes it. They trade a smile.
"Better yet, make a fist. Then soffffftly, bang fists with me. Then do this," Brian shows a fist; opens his hand and waves his fingers. "Ready. It's called a fist bump, which explodes in sparkles or whatever. Human kid taught me."
They then do the fist bump and both chuckle.
"You are weird, you know that." Aloohula says shaking his head.
"Just being me. Anyway, I will check it out. I did some teaching, tutoring on our trip here with the Downstairs. I will use this as an opportunity to check if it is possible to grow the herb there. You said you were a farmer? So, hopefully you really know what you are doing; as this will be on you. There may even be a Downstairs kid who may be able to assist in its care. As for the seeds, I will go down to Beautiful Smoke. Would you be up for one more visit?"
He nods, "Just let me know when. Also, my father was not a botanist, but he was very good at I think you call, adapting seeds; plants to continue growing with less water. He taught me so that if something happened to him the work would continue. Now both he and I serve on this ship as troopers; nothing else."
"Okay, then. I will see if I can find some seeds, go down to the Downstairs." He chuckles, "Go down to Downstairs. Anyway, you need to put a plan together on how you will do this manipulation thing on the seeds or plants. That means you start studying; like it or not."
"I want to do this," Aloohula says quietly.
Brian looks at his device, "I gotta go. I get up 3:30 in the morning. Back to my long normal days. Want to share an elevator?"
He shakes his head, "I go in another direction. I will take another."
Brian nods and then heads off to one elevator and he awaits the second elevator. Aloohula shakes his head; been a really weird day. This sudden involvement with the Youth Leaders he knows can only lead to further weirdness. He shakes his head again, what has he done. Joined the weird today; for a weird day, for hopefully a weird life. This is only the beginning of the weirdness. Weird, weird, weird, but an adventure and doing something that his and not everyone who crosses his path demanding he do as told immediately without thought to his own personal life. My turn for an adventure; for a life that is mine. Even if it is for a short time.